Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Medication can help many adults suffering from ADHD to alleviate the symptoms. However, medications are more effective when paired with other treatment methods.
Adult medication for ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and depression can be a problem for these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is a major part of treatment for ADHD, balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms. The most popular medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, a chemical that controls attention and thinking. Examples include amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse, or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels, but have a different chemical make-up, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
The effects of stimulants begin in 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD experiment with different medications over time to find what is most effective for them. It's important to disclose your other health issues and other medications you are taking to your health care provider because some of them may interact with stimulants.
The signs of ADHD affect many aspects of life from relationships to work performance. They can trigger feelings of inadequateness and low self-esteem. People suffering from ADHD might have trouble completing projects or tasks. They may spend an extended time on a task before moving onto another, leaving unfinished work. They may also have trouble sleeping well and may feel tired and irritable throughout the day.
When taken properly, stimulant medications can help people who suffer from ADHD perform at home and in school. They can ease the burden at home, and bring people closer to their families and help them achieve their professional goals. Treatment is not a panacea but it can make a significant difference. The first step is for those suffering from ADHD to speak with their doctor or specialist. They will discuss treatment options that could work for them and may recommend a combination of therapies and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a potent treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and revise negative thought patterns that hinder your performance and emotional self-regulation. Studies have proven that CBT can improve functioning and symptoms, especially when combined with stimulant medication. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies that explore childhood experiences and traumas, CBT is goal-oriented and concentrates on the present.
During therapy sessions the therapist and you work together to identify and address the troubling thoughts that keep you stuck in bad habits. Then, you come up with strategies to replace them with more helpful ones. Your therapist might also assist you with other issues that affect your functioning, including co-existing anxiety or mood disorders and relationship issues, job functioning, and self-care.
For example, if you're always running late, your therapist might instruct you to prioritize your tasks and utilize a planner. They might also suggest you be more cautious about being early to ensure that you don't feel stressed or bored waiting for something else to begin. Other strategies include using a clock or a watch, keeping clocks in your home and at work or jotting down your the daily routine.
The aim is to make these tools a regular part of your daily routine and not just a means to overcome your ADHD symptoms. To achieve this you'll need to find a therapist who is reliable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation in case you don't know one. Then check with local medical centers, colleges, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also search for online programs that provide the option to practice the skills on your own while connecting you with a therapist or coach. These programs are often cheaper, but they may not provide the same level of support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle with their work and relationships because they lose track of important information or make impulsive choices. Therapy and coaching can help improve communication in relationships, and strategies for dealing with the stress and anger that arise from these problems.
Therapy for families and marriage addresses the issues that can arise when someone who suffers from ADHD is in a romantic relationship or working. These issues can include being unable to remember important obligations, financial issues, and trouble with the responsibilities of workplace or at home. adhd adults treatment can assist you and your spouse, or coworkers, improve your communication to enable you to better manage these challenges.
Adult ADHD treatment typically involves a combination of medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps to manage the symptoms to allow you to focus on the tasks at hand, but other therapies offer more holistic approaches to improve your quality of life.
It may take some time to locate an adhd specialist therapist or coach. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Consult your primary care doctor about a referral to a mental health professional. They can recommend a specialist to treat your ailment and offer counseling to you and your loved family members.
You may be able to participate in a clinical study that provides new remedies for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies which test methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and dangers of participating in a clinical study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a customized treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome barriers to their daily lives. It helps them learn skills to improve their life quality and improve their performance in school, work at home, at work, and in social relationships. Research is already proving that OT is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
An OT does not just treat symptoms but also develop skills and strategies that will aid in daily functioning, like self-control and time management. For instance, they could instruct people suffering from ADHD to break down tasks into smaller pieces and employ visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They will also help them develop executive functioning skills. These are cognitive processes that enable people to plan, manage and complete a task and make a decision and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble organizing their physical environment and personal belongings such as wallets, books and clothes. OTs can help their clients learn to develop routines and systems to keep things organised. This may include using visual aids, creating schedules and using planners. Additionally, OTs can help clients recognize the relationship between their mood and how much they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They will then be able to monitor their diet of sensory stimuli to stay clear of stimulants.
OTs can also assist people with ADHD to learn to plan recreation/relaxation into their daily routines, even if it is only for 15 minutes. This will enable them to let go of their agitated energy and frustrations in a way that is more appropriate rather than transferring their emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Coaching for behavior can be beneficial for people with ADHD who have to deal with specific issues. A coach may assist clients with issues like managing money as well as building relationships as well as reducing procrastination and improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients about the neurobiological, genetic and environmental contributors to ADHD. This knowledge can help clients reduce the stigma that is associated with ADHD as well as the self-blame often promoted by popular media.
A skilled ADHD coach can provide the guidance and structure needed to make changes. They can guide the client through the process of reflection in order to determine which actions are beneficial or harmful to achieving their goals. They can teach their client how to change their habits to improve their time management skills and develop the necessary abilities to reach their goals. A coach can also offer assistance and encouragement throughout the process.
It is crucial that patients be aware that their symptoms aren't abnormal. It could be that a professional is the only person who's been able to understand their condition. It could be a relief to know that their struggles are not due to character weaknesses. This new understanding could enable them to stop blaming their own mistakes and seek help.
A combination of medication and coaching can be very beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. The coach and psychiatrist can work together to tackle various issues such as goal setting, prioritizing, motivation and organizational skills as well as problem solving. Behavioral coaching can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and controlling impulses. Coaching can aid with educational or vocational goals as well. The client may decide to continue with coaching or move to a different kind of mental health professional.